Hello Serra Family--
I hope you and your families are well.
On Monday the Board of Education had a press conference that was online and right before call us to a meeting. The contents of the conference can be found here:
Brace Yourselves...the BIG Takeaway..SDUSD announced it will be "months, not weeks" until we return to school. I want to say that I am so sorry for you and your children and all students in SD County at this time.
However the work must continue and we have been doing just that and are excited!
We finished our Name, Mascot, and Colors forums and are ready to vote and details are below. We also have amazing news, ALL incoming freshman will be receiving new computers and new students will get them as well during packet drop off on Thursday! Please make sure you bring your SDUSD computer checked out to you during COVID to receive a new one. If you never got a computer because you had your own, we will be issuing one to you as we have who currently has one issued and who doesn't. Please take us up on this opportunity (incoming ninth graders and new students). You (we believe) will have this computer for the next 4 years so its important you pick one up as we will be using them in class when we return. If you are in grades 10-12 we will have a possible plan for you coming, but not until closer to school. Lastly at packet drop off this week if you didnt pick up your yearbook you will be able too!
SATS at Serra are cancelled until further notice. I have no more information than that and if we are opening in "months not weeks" expect it to be cancelled that long. I have called College Board daily asking them to update.
Communication is key moving forward. I hope you find my blogs useful as communication was an issue before I came and while we can always do better I'm hoping this helps and I commit to doing every week. I also think that during the year you need time to interface with me. I will be holding Principal Coffee's the first Friday of every month on Zoom! Mark your calendars! These will be on the SHS calendar as well. Here are the dates and how to log on.
Okay everyone, here we go:
Next Week is Packet-Pick up: Drive Up and Walk Up: NEW TIMES and ALPHA and we rearranged grades for better flow on drop off days based on numbers PLEASE review. Please be reminded of the following:
You can not come if you have been on vacation--meaning not in your home--many of you are telling me you are out of state or out of San Diego County that week.
You need to send the person in the household who is the least risk to others to get the packet.
You will not be allowed out of your cars and you will have to have a mask on. If you have gloves please wear them or use hand sanitizer as you pull up if possible. Walk-ups must maintain social distancing.
All packets have been in quarantined for the last 14 days. We want to keep you safe as well.
Monday 8/17/2020 9th and 10th Graders - Packet & School Re-branding Ballot PickUp
Where?
Drive-up (PREFERRED) The Staff Parking Lot (AKA North Parking Lot)
When?
Last names A through I (9am - 10am)
Last names J through R (10am - 11am)
Last names S through Z (11am - 12pm)
**No need to bring anything. This is packet pickup only.
Tuesday 8/18/2020 11th and 12th Graders - & School Re-branding Ballot PickUp
Where?
Drive-up (PREFERRED) The Staff Parking Lot (AKA North Parking Lot)
When?
Last names A through I (9am - 10am)
Last names J through R (10am - 11am)
Last names S through Z (11am - 12pm)
**No need to bring anything. This is packet pickup only.
Thursday 8/20/2020 9th Graders & New Students Packet Drop Off, Computer Distribution, & School Re-branding Vote (Bring your ballot) Yearbook pick up if haven't already
Where?
Drive-up (PREFERRED) The Staff Parking Lot (AKA North Parking Lot)
When?
Last names A through F (9am - 10am)
Last names G through L (10am - 11am)
Last names M through R (11am - 12pm)
Last names S through Z (12pm - 1pm)
What to Bring? (All of the following will be distributed during packet pick up on 8/17/20)
School issued computer and charger. (This will be swapped out for a newer computer.) Please do not put the returned computer and charger into a bag.
Copy of proof of residency with student name written on it. This could be a utility bill, a cable bill, or a lease. Bring a copy that we can keep.
Health Information Exchange Consent (COMPLETED)
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application (COMPLETED)
California Immunization Registry (COMPLETED)
Universal Form (COMPLETED)
School Re-branding Ballot
Friday 8/21/2020 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders - Packet Drop Off & School Re-branding Vote (Bring your ballot)Yearbook Pick-up if you haven't already
Where?
Drive-up (PREFERRED) The Staff Parking Lot (AKA North Parking Lot)
When?
Last names A through I (9am - 10am)
Last names J through R (10am - 11am)
Last names S through Z (11am - 12pm)
What to Bring? (All of the following will be distributed during packet pick up on 8/17/20)
Health Information Exchange Consent (COMPLETED)
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application (COMPLETED)
California Immunization Registry (COMPLETED)
Universal Form (COMPLETED)
School Re-branding Ballot
Senior Photos:
A email and call went out about Senior Pictures. It was from Sherri Jo Topping from Lifetouch/Prestige. Please book your appointment and they are deemed approved my the Board of Education for the plan for sanitary procedures.
Distance Learning Handbook for Families and Students: ALMOST DONE but keep reading because what you want to know is below!
Schedule: OMG its finally here: First I want you to know this schedule went through students, parents, staff, and Governance. It is in my opinion the best schedule and mirrors most of our high schools that have always been on this type of schedule. We wanted consistency and the main question was how could we make your lives easier? This schedule also had to look a certain way based on the MOU with the teachers union and we are glad SDUSD and SDEA were able to come together in the best interest of students.
Here it is: Please digest it then read the rationale below before reacting...
You might be thinking something right now or feeling something...but relax we are going to be just fine.
Here is our reasoning for why we did it in the simplest way possible.
1. Each period has two components: 55 minutes of distance learning with a teacher AND 19 minutes of office hours!!!!! Yes you heard me; your students will get help and be able to ask questions IMMEDIATELY and to a real person right after the lesson! This was a non-negotiable for me and I'm so happy the Serra staff saw it that way as well.
2. This schedule is designed with meeting the specifics of the MOU in mind. They are only required to teach 3 hours a day.
3. Passing periods have always counted as instructional minutes in master schedules and that was reflected in this schedule as well.
4. Based on a 8:50 late start. --which is now our official start time for all future years.
5. Allows for a seamless switch between distance learning and brick and mortar options without changes to the schedule times. When we return to school nothing has to change in regards to the schedule...not one thing; but lets worry about return in "months not weeks."
6. Flex time can be used for office hours, small group instruction and prep time and is in the afternoon everyday.
7. Students would take only 3 courses every 18 weeks to limit the amount of contact between students and use of facilities while making learning more personable as there will be fewer students in each class which works better of online and for safety when we return.
8. Focus on only three classes at a time for students and teachers
9. Fewer students per semester should lend itself to improved communication between teachers, students and parents.
10. Daily instruction with the same students for consistency for a semester.
11. Schedule repeats with courses 4-6 the last semester of the year.
QUESTION: "Why are we not on a six period day?" I'm mad!
ANSWERS:
Do you want your students on ZOOM for 6 hours? I don't even want to do that....
Teachers are only allowed to teach 3 hours a day; so what happens to the other three periods if we are on a 6 period day? nothing...there can't be 6 periods.
QUESTION: "I am a AP student and how am I going to pass the test if I don't have my class in the Spring OR if I have a shortened amount of time because it is in Spring!!!!!!!" I'm mad!
High Schools all over the country are on block schedules and they all have AP.
I would never make a schedule without you in mind and consult with the AP teachers.
We spoke to our AP Teachers and they agreed this schedule is more than doable.
We will have support for you and class meetings all through the Spring if you have your class in the fall and if you are in the Spring we actually have more weeks than we have had in the Spring years prior based on the calendar for this year.
Did I mention your AP teachers chose this option with YOU in mind!!!!!!
Each AP Teacher sat down with us and talked about which class of their's should be in the fall and which in the spring and they are masters of their content and the exam and they know what they are doing.
Don't believe me? Turner, Amos, Parrish, Garnier, Snedden, Brooks and the list goes on all agree!!!!!! Don't Panic!
We are working on an AP NIGHT during the first week of school for all AP Students and the AP Teachers are so excited about it! More on this later next week.
QUESTION/STATEMENT: I am just mad!
We all are! This is a hard situation. No decision we at Serra make is looked upon with 100 percent agreement; its hard to please 1450 families.
We create a schedule for ALL students not just one group.
All the teachers are right with you and so are we and so are colleges EVERYONE is in this together. This isn't just happening to you its happening to all of us.
I'm sorry---lets transition to something positive---see below
Name Mascot and Colors Ballot:
We are done with our process and have gone above and beyond the requirements for this process however it still comes down to a ballot!
*****Please refer to the SHS Front Homepage as we have presentations on each of the three options for mascot and colors also why the names for the school are what they are********
Students ballots come with their packets and please refer them to the website as well.
Parents and Alumni--- Your ballot is online and you can vote by clicking here:
Parents:
Alumni:
Students: on paper
Staff: has a separate online ballot through our email system.
The following week of August 24-28 I am working with staff. However I'll be communicating with you about what the first week of school will look like. Right now focus on the packet pick up and drop off, the computers, yearbook and lastly your ballot!!!!!! Textbooks come later...
First Week of School: Coming Soon.
Textbook Distribution: Coming Soon
Schedules with teachers: Coming Soon
Handbook: Coming Soon
Thanks,
Dr. Erica Renfree